January/February 2005. Guns Germs and Steel: The Fates of Human Societies, by Jared Diamond. This one is a little longer than most of our selections but well worth the extra time spent reading and discussing it. Its a Pulizer Prize winning book. I've not run across any other book that has such a scope, or one that treats immediate pre-history (ca 13,000 BC to roughly 2000 BC) in such a way. It's one of the most thought provoking books I have ever read, and would highly recommend it. We had an interesting discussion in the bookclub around the contrast in theories for Western European influence aroind the world between Diamond's factors (food production, geography, and germ resistance ...or lack there of) versus the approach of Victor Davis Hanson (Greek cultural innovation and face-to-face clash military engagement). A counter argument, or alternative, to Diamond's theories can be found in Hanson's "Carnage and Culture.Landmark Battles in the Rise of Western Power." Another great read!
Go to the following link for the PBS series on Guns Germs and Steel.
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